Axe and sword discovered in Armagh woman's bag who arrived in Belfast from the U.S.

A 22-year-old Northern Irish woman was questioned after customs at Belfast International Airport seized a bag containing an axe, a sword, and knives.

Border Force officers have launched an investigation into the incident after the “potentially lethal” weapons were discovered on May 9, according to the Belfast Telegraph.

It is believed that the young woman had travelled from the U.S. to London before arriving at her final destination in Belfast.

A UK Border Agency and Border Force statement said a 22 -year-old Armagh woman was questioned about the weapons haul before being released.

John Spence, from Border Force at Belfast International Airport, reminded passengers of travel restrictions.

“It is illegal to bring knives and weapons into Northern Ireland from overseas — just because you can legally buy an item while abroad does not mean you can legally bring it into the UK,” he said.

“We are determined to prevent lethal weapons reaching our streets and ignorance of the law is no defence. Whether you are trying to deliberately smuggle weapons into (the region) or simply unaware of the controls in place, if you are found breaking the law by carrying banned knives and offensive weapons then you will be stopped, the weapons will be seized and you may face prosecution.”